Dangote Group and Niger State Forge Major Agricultural Partnership
Dangote Group has partnered with the Niger State Government to promote commercial agriculture, focusing on rice production. This initiative includes substantial investments in a state-of-the-art rice mill and supports the Niger Food initiative aimed at enhancing food security and creating jobs. Governor Bago emphasized the importance of attracting more investments into the state, while also striving to elevate the Niger Trade Fair to an international level.
The Dangote Group and the Niger State Government are teaming up to bolster commercial agriculture in Nigeria, with a partnership estimated in the billions of naira. This was announced by Fatima Abdurrahman, Senior Special Adviser to the President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, during the opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair held in Minna, on Friday.
Abdurrahman emphasized that substantial investments have been poured into enhancing the infrastructure for rice production in the state. The partnership will also support the Niger Food initiative, an agricultural development program crafted by the Niger State Government in collaboration with private entities, including the Dangote Group.
The company is progressing well in constructing a state-of-the-art rice mill located in Wushishi, which is on schedule for completion. “As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State,” Abdurrahman stated. Notably, the Dangote Group is also a sponsor of the 21st Trade Fair, organized by the Niger Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NCCIMA).
In discussing the benefits of commercial agriculture to local and national economic growth, Abdurrahman pointed out that the initiative will enhance food security and generate considerable employment for residents in Niger. She asserted, “This landmark project represents a significant step forward in bolstering the food security initiatives of the state.”
The new mill is designed to process 32 Metric Tonnes Per Hour (MTPH) and sits on a 30-hectare site. This facility is geared towards boosting both production and storage capacity in Niger State. Abdurrahman described the mill as incorporating the latest rice milling technologies, promising to deliver high efficiency, reduced waste, and top-quality output.
Once operational, the mill will strengthen the agricultural value chain from farm to market and provide necessary resources such as fertilizers and seedlings to local farmers. “We will source the rice from local out growers and act as 100 percent off takers of the production at competitive market prices,” she added.
Moreover, the Dangote Rice Mill will include an on-site power generation system capable of producing 5.8 megawatts of electricity. This effort aligns with the strategic goal of reducing dependency on the national power grid.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago, represented by the Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Aminu Takuma, noted the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for substantial investment in commercial agriculture. He praised the Dangote Group and encouraged further business ventures in the state, mentioning that the state hopes to elevate the Niger Trade Fair to an international platform in the future.
In an earlier address, Dr. Bisi Adeniyi, President of NCCIMA, urged private sector involvement in exploiting the vast agricultural potential presented by Niger State’s landscape.
The collaboration between the Dangote Group and Niger State heralds a promising future for agricultural investment in the region, aiming to address food security while simultaneously creating numerous employment opportunities.
The partnership between Dangote Group and Niger State represents a strategic occurrence aimed at enhancing commercial agriculture and food security in Nigeria. With significant investments in rice production infrastructure, this initiative is expected to create jobs and bolster the local economy. The overarching goal is to empower local farmers and innovate agricultural practices while reducing reliance on external resources. Overall, this collaboration could be a game changer for Niger State’s agricultural landscape and economic stability.
Original Source: dmarketforces.com
